Twinning Meeting on Digital Inclusion Brings Together Apollo Partners

date: 09. 07. 2026

On 7 July 2026, the Slovenian and Italian partners of the Interreg ASP Project Apollo met online for a twinning meeting to exchange experiences, present the progress of their pilot activities, and share good practices for improving digital inclusion through people-centred approaches.

During the meeting, the partners showcased the progress achieved within their respective pilot activities and discussed how their experiences can contribute to more inclusive and accessible digital public services.

The Municipality of Novo mesto presented the development of its e-application portal, while CIK Trebnje introduced the training programmes delivered to municipal employees. FOŠ showcased its training programme designed to strengthen the digital skills of local citizens. The Municipality of Saluzzo presented the implementation of its pilot activity concerning the experimentation of a digital animation service for SMEs, supporting workers in accessing digital welfare services.

Although the pilot activities respond to different local needs, the partners identified a common lesson: successful digital inclusion is not only about technology—it is about people. Building trust, providing personalised support, and empowering citizens through meaningful human interaction are essential for increasing the uptake of digital public services.

The exchange of experiences further reinforced this shared understanding. The partners highlighted that digital inclusion is most effective when digital expertise is combined with social support. In Saluzzo, this is reflected in a multidisciplinary digital animation model involving both a digital enabler and a social enhancer. In Novo mesto, workshops for citizens will be co-delivered by an IT expert and a psychologist, while vulnerable groups will receive additional support from organisations with expertise in working with these target groups.

The twinning meeting demonstrated the value of interregional cooperation in identifying practical solutions to shared challenges. By exchanging knowledge and good practices, the Apollo partners continue to develop innovative, people-centred approaches that make digital public services more accessible, inclusive and easier to use for everyone.